Thread by @ronaldgem

RONALD GEM A. CELESTIAL
2010-59622
BS Chemical Engineering
Councilor, UPLB USC AY 2013-2014
Chairperson, UPLB USC AY 2015-2016
#Sablay2020AllStars

9 years and 1 midyear
15 failing grades
2 readmissions
3 extensions of residency

SUMAblay
SUMAmpung taong naghintay
SASABLAY ✊🌻

I've already spent one-third of my life in UPLB. I always say, "lahat nagawa o naranasan ko na sa UP, Sablay na lang ang kulang."

I've waited for hours to apply for STFAP and a dormitory slot, applied for student loans, worked as an SA, joined and served in an organization.

I've already attended classes without taking a bath, with a hangover, without studying for an exam, without knowing there was an exam, sleep-deprived, tired, and even while having personal and financial problems.

I had 4/100 to 100+/100 in my exams, and grades from 1.25 to 5.

I won't lie and tell you it didn't, but not graduating on time hurts. The moment I learned that I wouldn't graduate again made me feel ashamed of myself. I used to do well in high school, people used to tell me that I was smart, and expected me to do well in UP, but I didn't.

The hardest part of not graduating is telling it to our families, seeing our friends leave and feeling we are a failure. But we are not.

Sometimes, things may not end up the way we wanted them to be.

Things happen - we may have shifted or transferred, struggled personally or financially, or filed for LOA. And that's okay. Rest if we must, but don't quit.

We may spend our days asking what went wrong, wondering "what if" & "what could have been".

We may not live the lives we've always wanted, but sometimes, we find ourselves smiling at the things we learned along the way.

We may have failed, lost, fell short, or needed a break but we should never give up and lose hope.

Minsan ko na ring sinabing, "Pagod na ako" at "Ayoko na" pero ilang beses ko na ring sinabing "Konti na lang, malapit na. Kaya ko 'to."

We may feel lost or find ourselves somewhere we can't get through, but whatever happens, just keep going.

For every "Bakit ba ako nag-UP?" there will always be a "Para sa mga pangarap mo", "Para sa pamilya mo", "Para sa bayan" that will inspire you to keep on going.

Failing does not and will never make us less of a person. We are all good enough.

Sometimes, we just have to embrace our flaws and shortcomings, work on them, and strive to be better versions of ourselves.

Looking back, I could have done better, graduate earlier, but I have no regrets. In fact, I am very grateful for what happened.

It was a humbling yet life-changing experience. It made me stronger and more human than I used to be.

Life will scar us, and hurt us over and over again. We may fail even in the things we are good at. And that's okay. One day, life will surprise us.

Things may never end up the way we wanted them to be but life would always lead us somewhere better.

Graduation will happen. We will wear that Sablay. And when our time comes, walk with pride, because despite the sleepless nights, tears, failing marks, and struggles, we made it.

Finally, this is for everyone who dreamed, struggled, failed, was dismissed/extended and are fighting.

@UPLBOfficial, #ApproveAllAppeals!